Warning over workplace injuries

Around one third of all serious workplace injuries are caused by manual handling, it emerged today.

The Health and Safety Authority said more than 2,650 injuries reported last year were caused lifting or moving loads.

Employers are warned that addressing the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the workplace is a legal requirement.

A regional seminar focusing on the issue will be held today in Galway’s Marriott Hotel.

The HSA said MSDs are also the most common work-related health issue across the European Union, affecting millions of workers each year.

“Some 25% of workers complain of backache and 23% report muscular pains while 35% of workers carry or move loads and 46% report working in painful or tiring positions,” said a HSA spokesman.

“To highlight the dangers of MSDs and the importance of manual handling risk assessment, the HSA has developed some instructional animations.”

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is currently rising awareness of MSDs by encouraging employers and employees to work in partnership to reduce the risk of injury.